Oxipack in the Spotlight: Featured in Het Financieele Dagblad
Last Saturday, April 9 2016, Het Financieele Dagblad, the major Dutch financial newspaper, dedicated two full pages to Oxipack in their weekend annex. The article, titled “We are the first automatic leaktesters of packaging,” featured a picture of the three founders in their workshop. This coverage in the FD section Start-up Kitchen by journalist René Bogaars highlights Oxipack's rapid growth and the challenges of scaling.
The Journey to Success
Participation in the triennial packaging fair Interpack in Düsseldorf in 2014 marked a significant milestone for Oxipack. The event provided a substantial boost, leading to collaborations with large food manufacturers to enhance their leak detection methods. Initially focused on random leak testing, Oxipack expanded into in-line applications by 2015, resulting in a year-on-year doubling of sales.
Innovative Patent for Leak Testing Liquids
Arjan Smit, one of the founders, shared exciting news about recent developments. In March, Oxipack was granted a patent for a specific leak detection solution for packaged liquids. This innovative technology is currently being developed for fully automatic in-line leak detection in partnership with major packaging companies. However, Smit noted that sometimes food producers approach Oxipack too late to integrate automatic leak detection into existing production lines.
Expert Opinion: The Judgement
A notable feature of the FD article is the expert opinion section. This time, the insights came from Florentine Fockema, a partner at NBI-Investors and manager of Shift Invest, which focuses on innovation in the agri-food chain. Fockema praised Oxipack's technology as valuable and timely, emphasizing the increasing public concern for food quality, safety, production efficiency, and waste reduction.
Fockema advised Oxipack to scale up by developing their technology into a ‘line’ solution, suggesting that Oxipack take control of machine production or integrate it into the production line themselves to prove their worth in the sector.
Investor Relations and Future Directions
Fockema also recommended that Oxipack consider outside investment to accelerate their growth. Despite being reluctant to engage with investors, the founders recognize the potential benefits. Arjan Smit acknowledged the complexities of investor relationships but did not dismiss the idea outright, indicating a careful approach to potential partnerships.
The feature in Het Financieele Dagblad underscores Oxipack's innovative approach and rapid growth in the leak detection industry. With a new patent and ongoing development in fully automatic in-line leak detection, Oxipack is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands of the food packaging industry. As they navigate the challenges of scaling, expert advice and strategic investments will play crucial roles in their continued success.
